Norman 13-177 [1]

Sponsored by:

Bonnie and Clark K:
"In grateful thanks to RAGOM, foster families, and the good samaritans who rescue dogs like Norman."

Tamera H:
"Keep fighting, Norman! You can get healthy and live the Golden life you deserve!"

06/27/2013:

Hello from Grand Forks, ND!

On June 14, 2013 two very kind people brought me a very sick dog they had found out on their hobby farm in rural ND. There is no telling where this dog came from or how long he had been wandering alone, they just knew that he needed help and I would be available to provide it. So, they brought this handsome gentleman to Grand Forks, to me, and eventually to RAGOM. Many grateful thank-yous to RAGOM for accepting this boy under its wings and providing him with the medical attention that it has been determined that he needs. Many thanks to these Good Samaratins for caring enough to not look the other way and leave him out there to fend for himself and, no doubt, eventually die. There is no question they saved his life!

So, here the story of "Norman" begins. I chose that name for him because he has an old soul for a dog that appears to be around 2-3 years old. He is quiet and mellow and just kinda looks at you like he's known you forever. He's a beautiful dark red color with a big head! Norman had so many ticks on him, easily hundreds, and was so matted/dirty that we picked as many of them off him as we could, and then just had to shave him down. A bath followed, after which I was looking at a new dog. He smelled clean, he looked clean, and I had no doubts that with time and good nutrition, his coat would glisten like a true red Golden.

Due to the amount of ticks on him, we ran the standard 4dx heartworm/tick-bourne disease blood test which unfortunately came back positive for both Lymes & Anaplasmosis. These are both diseases that are transmitted by ticks. Thankfully, his heartworm test was negative. Norman was extremely painful, anemic, lethargic, anorexic, and generally unhealthy. So, we started him on a regime of antibiotics and pain meds. After a few days, he continued to lose weight and stopped eating altogether. We took an X-ray of his lungs due to his panting at rest and the veterinarian did not like the bronchial patterns she saw on the film and ordered a fungal serology. Here is the really BAD news: it came back positive for Blastomycosis. This is a fatal fungal infection if not treated. Yes, FATAL. Now, keep in mind, I have had this gem for about a week and have completely fallen in love with him! Not fighting for him was NOT AN OPTION! However, treatment is incredibly expensive and the outcome is not guaranteed. So, I requested permission from RAGOM to buy the meds and they didn't hesitate! "Absolutely, treat Norman" was the overwhelming response!!! Treatment lasts for 4 months! It will be twice daily medication for 90 days, another blood test, and then continuing one more month past a negative result.

This is where being a rescue organization struggles, though, so Please, Please, Please, if you are even thinking about sponsoring a dog, or perhaps wanting to make a simple donation to RAGOM for all that we do for these dogs, please consider doing it now and noting that it is for Norman's medical care! We absolutely cannot do what we do for these dogs without the generous support of those who care!

So, all the medical jargon is out of the way. Here's the equally important information you need to know about him!

• He is completely housebroken.
• He is crate trained (loves to sleep in it and has no issues hanging out in it with the door open).
• He has fantastic recall, does not need a fenced yard.
• He walks great on a leash & loves to walk.
• He loves people(!!!!!!!!!!).
• He is smart, smart, smart, learning his name, comes when called, sits for his treats.
• When he cuddles with you, he buries his face in your shoulder.
• He loves all dogs. He wants to play, just isn't feeling up to it yet.
• And has the craziest hair I've ever seen on a Golden!

Please continue to follow this guy's progress & recovery. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers as we fight for him. He's trying to fight this illness, and now that his head is resting on soft blankets, a cool fan pointing on him, and has freshly cooked daily meals, he is feeling so very much loved, wanted, and cared for. Exactly the reason we are a Rescue. Exactly the reason I do this. Exactly the reason he has every right to be here!!!